Cytology · MU Pleven

Topic 44 Neuroglia – types and features

Covers the glial cells that support neurons, starting with their origin, their relative abundance and their three main functions: nutrition, defence against harmful substances and electrical support. It then sets out six types split into central (oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, ependymal cells, microglia) and peripheral (Schwann cells, satellite cells of ganglia), describing each one's location, structure and role, including the two astrocyte subtypes and the origin of microglia from macrophages.

Inside: 9 sections · 1 labelled picture · 15 flashcards · 3 min

Topic 44 of 59 in the MU Pleven syllabus for Cytology (Medicine, Year 1). The free AceMed note covers it in 9 sections, about 380 words (3 min of reading), with 15 flashcards.

In this note

  1. Topic 44 Neuroglia – types and features
  2. Functions
  3. Types of glial cells
  4. Oligodendrocytes
  5. Astrocytes
  6. Ependymal cells
  7. Microglia
  8. Schwann cells
  9. Satellite cells of ganglia

Topic 44 Neuroglia – types and features

  • Glial cells support neuronal survival activities and are ~10× more abundant in the brain than neurons
  • Originate from progenitor cells of the embryonic neural plate (like neurons)
  • In the CNS, glial cells surround neuronal cell bodies (which are larger than glial cells) and the processes of axons and dendrites, occupying the spaces between neurons

Functions

  • Support nutrition – satellites and macroglia provide neurons with nutrients by transporting molecules from the blood to the neuron
  • Poison defence – some glial cells support the role of the blood-brain barrier, blocking harmful substances from reaching neurons
  • Support electrical communication – neuroglia regulate ion concentrations around neurons and create a myelin sheath around axons

Types of glial cells

There are 6 types of glial cells, divided into central and peripheral:

Central glial cells

  1. 1. Oligodendrocytes (macroglia)
  2. 2. Astrocytes (macroglia)
  3. 3. Ependymal cells
  4. 4. Microglia

Peripheral glial cells

  1. 5. Schwann cells
  2. 6. Satellite cells of ganglia

Oligodendrocytes

  • Produce myelin sheaths around axons in the CNS
  • Predominant glial cells in CNS white matter

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